The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) announced that it welcomed the establishment of a joint military force to secure the Great Man-Made River (MMR). In the statement, it was expressed that the ongoing efforts in coordination between the parties by the 5+5 Joint Military Committee were appreciated. The statement emphasized that it is a very important step in terms of unifying the military institutions in the country.
The Head of UNSMIL, Jan Kubis, also stated that the joint military cooperation between the parties will not only ensure the security of the river and uninterrupted water supply, but also pave the way for the implementation of the ceasefire agreement signed in October 2020. In addition to this, Kubis added that this decision sends a strong message indicating that Libyans have overcome their differences and are willing and able to build a united, stable, prosperous and democratic country.
The Tareq Bin Ziyad Brigade and the 166 Brigade of the Government of National Unity (GNU) were created last week to address the threats of the Magarha tribe on the MMR. The Magarha tribe recently demanded the release of the imprisoned Gaddafi-era Intelligence Chief Abdullah Senussi due to health problems.
